FIN7’s Deepfake Lure Campaign and the Evolution of Malware Distribution

An infamous financially motivated cybercrime group, FIN7, has recently surfaced with a sophisticated new campaign aimed at exploiting the growing interest in deepfake technologies. According to a report by Silent Push, FIN7 is using a network of malware-laden websites to lure victims by offering them free or trial versions of deepfake tools that claim to create “deepnude” images. These malicious websites are part of a broader strategy to spread malware, steal sensitive information, and monetize cybercrime.

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This latest campaign highlights not only the evolving techniques used by cybercriminals but also the dangers of AI-driven deepfake technology being used as bait in malware distribution.

FIN7: A Notorious Cybercriminal Syndicate

FIN7 is a well-known financially motivated threat group, previously linked to multiple high-profile ransomware attacks and other forms of cybercrime. While the group has been traditionally associated with ransomware, point-of-sale (POS) malware, and phishing campaigns, it has now shifted its tactics to exploit public interest in AI-generated deepfake content.

Deepfakes have garnered significant media attention due to their ability to create realistic yet entirely fabricated images or videos. FIN7 appears to be capitalizing on this trend, targeting individuals who are interested in using tools that purport to create AI-generated nude images—a technology that has drawn considerable controversy.

The Setup: Deepfake “Deepnude” Tools as Honeypots

According to Silent Push, FIN7 has created two distinct versions of malware-baited websites under the branding of aiNude[.]ai, each promising to offer deepfake tools that generate nude images from uploaded photos. The malicious sites are designed to lure internet users with promises of “free downloads” or “free trials” of a so-called “Deepnude Generator” tool.

Here’s how each version of the honeypot works:

1. Free Download Trap: One version of the website offers users a free download of the deepfake tool. However, clicking on the download button redirects the victim to another domain, which hosts a Dropbox link or another file-sharing service where a malicious payload is stored. The exact nature of this payload was not revealed in the report, but it is likely designed to infect the user’s machine with malware.
2. Free Trial Trap: In the second version, victims are enticed to upload an image to access a free trial of the tool. After uploading the image, users are prompted with a message indicating that the “trial is ready for download,” and they are asked to agree that the link is for personal use only. When they click “Download,” the user is served a zip file containing a malware payload.

Silent Push identified the payload as Lumma Stealer, a well-known malware designed to steal sensitive data, including login credentials, financial information, and personal files. The malware utilizes a DLL side-loading technique to execute, allowing it to evade traditional security defenses.

FIN7’s Malware Arsenal: Lumma Stealer, Redline, and D3F@ck

The campaign is not limited to Lumma Stealer. Silent Push reports that FIN7 has also deployed additional malware strains through these honeypot sites, including the Redline Stealer and D3F@ck malware-as-a-service loader. These malware variants are known for their data theft and financial fraud capabilities, and their inclusion in the campaign suggests that FIN7 is aiming for broad exploitation and monetary gain from their victims.

• Redline Stealer: This is a highly effective information-stealing malware that targets passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, browser autofill data, and other sensitive information stored on infected devices.
• D3F@ck Loader: This is a malware-as-a-service platform that enables threat actors to distribute and manage other forms of malware. The loader can be used to drop additional malicious payloads onto the infected machines, enabling a wide variety of attacks.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tactics and Malvertising

FIN7’s approach to distributing malware in this campaign is particularly concerning due to its use of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques. The group has been able to rank its malicious sites at the top of search results, making it easier for unsuspecting victims to find and click on these dangerous links.

In addition to SEO manipulation, FIN7 has been observed running a second campaign that relies on malvertising and fake browser extensions. In this campaign, the group is serving NetSupport RAT (Remote Access Trojan) malware through spoofed versions of well-known websites. The fake sites resemble trusted brands such as SAP Concur, Microsoft, and Thomson Reuters, luring users into downloading malicious browser extensions that ultimately compromise their systems.

By leveraging malvertising—a tactic in which attackers use online ads to distribute malware—FIN7 has expanded its reach, targeting users who are drawn to fake ads or fraudulent search engine results.

Implications of the Campaign: Financial Fraud and Privacy Invasion

The implications of FIN7’s latest campaign are far-reaching. By enticing victims with deepfake tools, the group is not only stealing personal information and sensitive credentials but also potentially violating privacy in new, harmful ways. Victims who upload personal images to these honeypot sites may be exposing themselves to even more dangerous forms of cyber exploitation.

• Financial Motives: Like most FIN7 operations, the ultimate goal of this campaign is financial. The stolen data can be sold on the dark web, used to launch further attacks, or held for ransom. FIN7’s reputation for deploying ransomware suggests that this campaign could also lead to more targeted attacks in the future.
• Privacy Concerns: By encouraging victims to upload photos to the deepfake sites, FIN7 is exploiting not just the victim’s machine but their personal life. This kind of invasion of privacy could have long-lasting effects, including identity theft, blackmail, or reputation damage.

Defense Strategies Against FIN7’s Latest Tactics

As FIN7 continues to evolve its methods, organizations and individuals need to strengthen their defenses against such campaigns. Here are some strategies to protect against these types of malware campaigns:

1. Educating Users: One of the most effective ways to combat social engineering attacks like these is through awareness. Users should be educated on the risks of visiting unknown websites, downloading files from untrusted sources, and interacting with tools that promise illegal or unethical services (such as deepfake generators).
2. Monitoring SEO Manipulation: Security teams should actively monitor for malicious domains that may be ranking high in search engine results. Regular sweeps for SEO-manipulated domains can help prevent users from stumbling across these sites.
3. Anti-Malware and Anti-Phishing Tools: Installing robust anti-malware software and anti-phishing tools can help detect and block malicious websites before they have a chance to infect systems.
4. Multi-layered Security: Implementing multiple layers of security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and sandboxing, can help prevent malware like Lumma Stealer and Redline from executing on a network.
5. Incident Response Plans: Organizations should have incident response plans in place to deal with malware outbreaks. This includes regularly backing up critical data, ensuring quick recovery from ransomware attacks, and educating employees on proper cybersecurity protocols.

Conclusion: FIN7’s Continuous Threat

FIN7’s latest campaign demonstrates the group's ability to adapt to new trends and exploit emerging technologies like deepfakes to distribute malware. By capitalizing on public interest in AI-driven tools, the group has found a new way to steal data and compromise systems. With the use of SEO manipulation and malvertising, FIN7 has expanded its reach, putting more individuals and businesses at risk.

As cybersecurity threats evolve, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant, stay informed about the latest attack vectors, and adopt proactive measures to protect against these sophisticated campaigns.